Downtown in Cleveland in Cuyahoga County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, April 11, 2009
1. Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll Marker
Inscription.
Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll. . When radio station WJW disc jockey Alan Freed (1921-1965) used the term "rock and roll" to describe the uptempo black rhythm and blues records he played beginning in 1951, he named a new genre of popular music that appealed to audiences on both sides of 1950s American racial boundaries--and dominated American culture for the rest of the 20th century. The popularity of Freed's nightly "Moon Dog House Rock and Roll Party" radio show encouraged him to organize the Moondog Coronation Ball--the first rock concert. Held at the Cleveland Arena on March 21, 1952, the oversold show was beset by a riot during the first set. Freed, a charter inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, moved to WINS in New York City in 1954 and continued to promote rock music through radio, television, movies, and live performances.
When radio station WJW disc jockey Alan Freed (1921-1965) used the term "rock and roll" to describe the uptempo black rhythm and blues records he played beginning in 1951, he named a new genre of popular music that appealed to audiences on both sides of 1950s American racial boundaries--and dominated American culture for the rest of the 20th century. The popularity of Freed's nightly "Moon Dog House Rock and Roll Party" radio show encouraged him to organize the Moondog Coronation Ball--the first rock concert. Held at the Cleveland Arena on March 21, 1952, the oversold show was beset by a riot during the first set. Freed, a charter inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, moved to WINS in New York City in 1954 and continued to promote rock music through radio, television, movies, and live performances.
Erected 2003 by the Ohio Bicentennial Commission, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 46-18.)
30.509′ N, 81° 41.656′ W. Marker is in Cleveland, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County. It is in Downtown. Marker is on East 9th Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cleveland OH 44114, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, April 11, 2009
2. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2009, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,805 times since then and 122 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 15, 2009, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.
